Final Examination
"Excel Spread Sheet Lesson"
Bell Ringer: Has anyone ever wondered how teacher's maintain all their students grades?ÊHas anyone ever wondered how to figure out their grade? If there were 26 students in a class, does anyone know what the easiest way would be to calculate the grade, or average of each student indivudually, or as a group?
Student Response: Honestly students may not be interested in this first questions. A few may; answer "with a book" or "with a grade sheet". I am expecting that many are uninterested because this is not something they would normally wonder about. To them, it is the teachers job to maintain and know their grade, not their responsibility. After the second questions is asked, I think more students will become interested because this is directed to them personally. True is is a YES, NO questions, but I feel that many students will expand on it, and as a teacher you should feel ready and able to encourage that. The last questions I am expecting to hear crickets cherping, but that is the point. At this time it would be appropriate to introduce Excel.
Objectives: Students will engage in a short review lesson about averages then they will engage in a short lesson on Excel. Afterwards they should understand the basic principals and procedures of Excel. They should be able to calculate their average and place a chart.
Many students may seem disconcerned with this lesson. As a teacher you much be able to encourage and make the students interested in this. Many students will still be feeling like this is not their responsibility to knwo their grades, and again you must explain why it is important.
Lecture: (If computers are available to the entire class and are loaded with Excel give this lesson). Open Excel and allow students to see what it looks like.
http://www2.sandi.net/miramesa/dhsmain/teacher/Teaching%20Excel%202000.htm#_Microsoft_Excel_Part
Explain that each box is called a "cell". In the first block, (A1) there could be name typed in. B1 through K1 could be filled with test scores, assignments, essays, papers, etc grades. To find the average, they must click on the box to the right of the scores, and type in =average(B1:D1). or whatever cell they filled up too.
To Create a Simple Column Chart using the Chart Wizard: First select the cells desired.Ê Highlight from cells click on the Chart Wizard icon and follow the steps in the Wizard.ÊÊ Create a column chart, with the series in rows, title and save the file.
Let students know that this is not an easy thing to learn, but if they need help or encouragment you will be introducing a powerpoint in the next few minutes. Further more, if problems or questions still arise, allow students to click on the "Review Excel" link below for further understanding.
How to Use Excel (powerpoint) http://aitt.acadiau.ca/tutorials/Excel2000/Excel2000simulations/sld001.htm
This powerpoint may seem dull but it is vital, and a great tool for helping them to understand Excel.
Click to Review Excel http://www2.sandi.net/miramesa/dhsmain/teacher/Teaching%20Excel%202000.htm#_Microsoft_Excel_Part
Students will be grateful that there is a place they can refer back to, if they have an questions they feel uneasy or uncomfortable asking in front of the class.
ABC's of Excel: http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/kadkins/abc.htm
This is a fun little ABC's of Excel. Students will be able to read through it for entertainment purposes.
Activity:
Give the class the following spreadsheet. It is only half completed. Have the students finish it up. Allow students to check their answers! Teacher should be walking around assisting, answering any questions and encouraging students to work to their fullest potential.
Students will be simply thrilled that they are able to put together a spreadsheet, by checking the answers themsleves they will be able to go back and fix any misconceptions, or wrong answers. This will also help to encourage them to work independently and gain self confidence by obtaining the correct answers.
*Short Review: Powerpoint Review on How to Find Averages
Conclusion:
Students will have a better understanding of how to work excel. After completing the in class assignment, teacher should be able to make a valid judgement of who understands and does not understand excel. Answer any questions posed. For homework, possibly have the children continue with this and have them write up a spreadsheet for their grades. Also have them chart it.
Students will hopefully walk away from class knowing that they were able to put together a spreadsheet. Many students may not own a computer for the homework part of the lesson, but encourage students to come after school, or go to library, or computer lab to work on it. There should be no excuse for not doing it.